Tweeter flush, surface, and starfish mount installation

ABSTRACT

A vehicle speaker mount for a speaker includes a central bracket and a plurality of elongated portions extending radially outward from the central bracket. each of the elongated portions includes a respective engagement tab at a distal end of the elongated portion with each engagement tab is configured to be releasably connectable with a base of the speaker. Furthermore, the central bracket defines at least one aperture for receiving hardware to connect the mount to a vehicle surface. The vehicle speaker mount may include a threaded ring member and a base ring for securing the vehicle surface therebetween, or a plurality of flanges extending from a base ring for providing additional mounting surfaces.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No.202011516578.4 filed Dec. 21, 2020, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated in its entirety by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application is directed to tweeter installation in vehicles,and more particularly, mounting devices for tweeters.

BACKGROUND

Tweeters are a type of high frequency loudspeaker included in manyvehicle audio environments. Tweeters are typically mounted on panels ofthe vehicle interior via installation kits. In some circumstances, themounting hardware may be visible from the tweeter front or the mountinghardware may be difficult to install.

SUMMARY

According to one or more embodiments, a vehicle speaker mount for aspeaker includes a central bracket and a plurality of elongated portionsextending radially outward from the central bracket. each of theelongated portions includes a respective engagement tab at a distal endof the elongated portion with each engagement tab is configured to bereleasably connectable with a base of the speaker. Furthermore, thecentral bracket defines at least one aperture for receiving hardware toconnect the mount to a vehicle surface.

According to at least one embodiment, the vehicle speaker mount mayfurther include at least one arc shaped leg extending from at least oneof the plurality of elongated portions, with each arc shaped leg havinga protrusion at a free distal end of the leg for releasably engaging thebase of the speaker. In one or more embodiments, the plurality ofelongated portions may include a first pair of elongated portionsextending radially opposite one another from the central bracket, and asecond pair of elongated portions extending radially opposite oneanother from the central bracket and substantially perpendicular to thefirst pair, wherein each of the elongated portions are equidistantlyspaced about the central bracket. In further embodiments, a geometry ofthe first pair may be larger than a geometry of the second pair. Inother further embodiments, each elongated portion of the first pair mayinclude a pair of arc shaped legs extending from the elongated portionabout the central bracket. In at least one embodiment, the centralbracket may define three colinear apertures. Furthermore, each aperturemay be defined by a circumferential sloped surface recessing eachaperture relative to a surface plane of the central bracket. In certainembodiments, the vehicle speaker mount may further include a flat panelarranged below the central bracket and aligned with the apertures forsecuring the mount to the surface. In at least one embodiment, eachelongated portion includes a vertical leg at the distal end of theelongated portion, the vertical leg having the engagement tab arrangedthereon extending toward the center of the central bracket and such thatthe engagement tab is configured to engage the base of the speaker.

According to one or more embodiments, a vehicle speaker mount for aspeaker includes a threaded ring member having a bottom end and a topend, opposite the bottom end, the ring member having a flange edgedefined at the top end and extending radially outward from the ringmember, and a central bracket at the bottom end and arranged radiallyinward of the ring member. The central bracket includes a center portionand at least one pair of elongated portions extending radially outwardlyand oppositely from the center portion. Each elongated portion includesa distal end connected to a base of the threaded ring member, and arespective engagement tab for engaging a respective recess in a base ofthe speaker. The vehicle speaker mount further includes an attachmentring having a thread configured to be cooperable with the threaded ringmember such that the attachment ring can be secured around the threadedring member from the bottom end to secure the mount to a surfacepositioned between the attachment ring and the flange edge. The threadedring member and central bracket cooperate to define a cavity forreceiving the speaker therein. According to at least one embodiment, thethreaded ring member and the central bracket may be connected only atthe elongated portions such that a bottom surface of the speaker isexposed. In one or more embodiments, the vehicle speaker mount mayfurther include at least one arc shaped leg extending from at least oneof the plurality of elongated portions, with each arc shaped leg havinga protrusion at a free distal end of the leg for engaging the base ofthe speaker. In at least one embodiment, each elongated portion mayinclude a vertical leg at the distal end of the elongated portion, thevertical leg having the engagement tab arranged thereon extending towardthe center of the central bracket and such that the engagement tab isconfigured to engage the base of the speaker.

According to one or more embodiments, a vehicle speaker mount for aspeaker includes a central bracket having a center portion and at leastone pair of elongated portions extending radially outwardly andoppositely from the center portion, with the center portion andelongated portions defining a base plane. Each elongated portion has adistal end including a respective engagement tab for engaging arespective recess in the speaker. The vehicle speaker mount furtherincludes a starfish bracket having a base ring connected to the centralbracket at the elongated portions, the base ring having a bottom endpositioned along the base plane, and a top end opposite the bottom endat a predefined height above the base plane. The starfish bracketincludes a first plurality of flanges extending radially outward fromthe bottom end and a second plurality of flanges extending radiallyoutward from the top end, with each of the first plurality being offsetfrom the second plurality of flanges around a circumference of the basering. The starfish bracket and the central bracket are configured tocooperate to define a cavity for receiving the speaker therein.

According to at least one embodiment, the base ring may only include thetop end at circumferential portions corresponding to the secondplurality of flanges extending from the base ring such that exposedareas form above the first plurality of flanges. In one or moreembodiments, the first plurality of flanges may be evenly spaced aroundthe circumference of the base ring at the top end, and the secondplurality of flanges may be evenly spaced around the circumference ofthe base ring at the bottom end. In further embodiments, the firstplurality of flanges may include three flanges spaced apart by 120degrees around the base ring, and the second plurality of flanges mayinclude three flanges spaced apart by 120 degrees around the base ringand each flange of the second plurality may be positionedcircumferentially between two flanges of the first plurality. In atleast one embodiment, each flange of the second plurality of flanges mayinclude a flat edge connected to the flange by a connecting memberextending in the upward direction. In some further embodiments, eachflange of the first plurality of flanges may be flat with respect to thebase plane. According to at least one embodiment, each elongated portionmay include a vertical leg at the distal end of the elongated portion,the vertical leg having the engagement tab arranged thereon extendingtoward the center of the central bracket and such that the engagementtab is configured to engage the base of the speaker.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a partial perspective view of a vehicle surfacehaving a vehicle speaker mounting assembly thereon, according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a vehicle speaker mountingassembly, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3A illustrates a front perspective view of the vehicle speakermount of the vehicle speaker mounting assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3B illustrates a rear perspective view of the vehicle speaker mountof FIG. 3A with a speaker mounted therein;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of a vehicle speaker mountingassembly, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 5A illustrates a front perspective view of the vehicle speakermount and speaker of the vehicle speaker mounting assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5B illustrates a rear perspective view of the vehicle speaker mountand speaker of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of a vehicle speaker mountingassembly, according to yet another embodiment;

FIG. 7A illustrates a front perspective view of the vehicle speakermount and speaker of the vehicle speaker mounting assembly of FIG. 6;and

FIG. 7B illustrates a rear perspective view of the vehicle speaker mountand speaker of FIG. 7A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in variousand alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; somefeatures may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particularcomponents. Therefore, specific structural and functional detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as arepresentative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present invention.

According to one or more embodiments, a mounting bracket for ahigh-frequency loudspeaker (i.e., a tweeter) is provided. As comparedwith conventional mounting brackets, the mounts described herein may bemore compact and more easily concealed from the front, as well asprovide improvements in ease of installation.

As shown in FIG. 1, an example of a vehicle speaker 10 is shown mountedwithin a A-pillar decorative interior surface 20 adjacent a windshield30 and a dashboard panel 40. The speaker 10 is secured behind theA-pillar decorative interior surface 20 such that the mounting hardwareis not visible to occupants of the vehicle. In one or more embodiments,the speaker 10 may be mounted to a surface behind the A-pillardecorative surface. In other embodiments, the speaker 10 may be securedto the A-pillar decorative interior surface 20. As such, the speaker 10has a clean look against the A-pillar decorative interior surface 20.The speaker 10 may be a high frequency loud speaker (i.e., a tweeter)having any suitable shape based on the desired design for the aestheticof the vehicle sound system. For example, the speaker 10 is shown in theFigures as a circular speaker 10. The mounting hardware for retainingthe speaker 10 will be discussed in detail herein.

Referring to FIG. 2, an example of a vehicle speaker mounting assembly100 a is shown. The vehicle speaker mounting assembly 100 a includes avehicle speaker mount 200 for securing a speaker 280 to a vehiclesurface 110. The vehicle surface 110 may be any suitable vehiclesurface, such as, but not limited to, a headliner, front panels,pillars, and the like. Specifically, the vehicle surface 110 may be aninterior panel of the vehicle such as an interior screen panel,dashboard, door panel, center console, etc. In many cases, thesesurfaces are exposed and visible to the user and thus aestheticallyappealing designs and integration of speaker assemblies 100 are desired.The vehicle speaker assembly 100 a may be configured to provide audiblenoise to passengers and the driver within the vehicle, and may beconnected to a vehicle sound system (not shown). The speaker mountingassembly 100 a may interface with an audio system of the vehicle toprovide audio output therefrom.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3A-B, the speaker mount 200 may be configuredas a surface mount for the speaker 280. As shown in FIG. 2, the mount200 can be positioned on the surface 110 and mounted thereto viahardware (not shown) such that the mount 200 and speaker 280 are locatedabove the plane of the surface 110. The hardware secures the mount 200to the surface 100 prior to insertion of the speaker 280 into the mount200. The mount 200 may be made of any suitable material for retainingthe speaker 280 and securing the speaker 280 to the vehicle surface 100,such as, but not limited to, plastic or metal. In some examples themount 200 may include multiple materials, may be injection molded,welded, stamped, or be produced by any other suitable mechanism. Themount 200 is configured to engage a bottom end of the speaker 280, anddefine an opening so that the bottom end of the speaker 280 may beexposed in order for the speaker to be connected to the vehicle soundsystem. Openings at the bottom of the mount 200 may also allow forcooling at the bottom end of the speaker. The mount 200 and itsengagement with the speaker 280 and the surface 110 is discussed in moredetail below.

As shown in FIG. 2, the speaker mount 200 is configured to receive thespeaker 280 thereon to mount it to the vehicle surface 110. The speaker280 may include components such as a dome (not shown) and a base formingthe closed back typical of high frequency speakers. These additionalcomponents may be integrally formed with the mount 200 or be separatefeatures. Furthermore, the base of the speaker 280 includes recesses 282for securing the speaker 280 to the mount 200 such that the vibration ofthe speaker 280 is limited while the base of the speaker 280 is exposed.The speaker 280 may be exposed for cooling and/or for providing accessto features for electrical connections.

Referring again to FIG. 2, as well as the details shown in FIGS. 3A-B,the mount 200 includes a central bracket 210 having a center portion212. The center portion 212 defines a surface plane on a first side 214of the central bracket 210. The mount 200 further includes a pluralityof elongated portions, including a first elongated portion 220, a secondelongated portion 230, a third elongated portion 240, and a fourthelongated portion 250 extending radially outward from the center portion212. The first and second elongated portions 220 and 230 form a firstpair and extend radially opposite one another from the center portion212. The third and fourth elongated portions 240 and 250 form a secondpair and also extend radially opposite one another from the centerportion 212. In the example shown in FIGS. 3A-B, the elongated portions220, 230, 240, 250 are spaced equidistantly about the center portion 212such that approximately 90 degrees of separation exists between theelongated portions as defined around the center portion 212. In one ormore embodiments, the central bracket 210 and the elongated portions220, 230, 240, 250 are integrally connected, for example, via beingformed by injection molded plastic.

As can be seen in FIGS. 3A-B, the elongated portions 220, 230, 240, 250each include a respective engagement tab 260 at a distal end of therespective elongated portion 220, 230, 240, 250, opposite the centerportion 212, for engaging the speaker 280. The elongated portions 220,230, 240, 250 are dimensioned to secure to the base of the speaker 280(e.g., based on the diameter of the speaker 280 for the circular speakerexample). The engagement tab 260 secures the mount 200 to the speaker280 via respective recesses 282 in the base of the speaker 280 such thatthe speaker can be twisted into the mount 200 to engage the engagementtabs 260 within the recesses 282. Although four elongated portions areshown in the Figures, it is contemplated that any suitable number ofelongated portions may be included as based on the required engagementtabs for the design of the speaker and the respective recesses withinthe base of the speaker. In certain embodiments, each engagement tab 260may be raised with respect to the surface plane. The engagement tabs 260may be connected to the distal end of the elongated portions 220, 230,240, 250 by a vertically extending member 261 which extends upward fromthe surface plane, such that the engagement tabs 260 protrude radiallyinward from the vertically extending member 261. The speaker 280 may beinserted onto the central bracket 210 with the engagement tabs 260engaging the recesses 282, and can be twisted thereon to secure thespeaker 280 into the mount 200.

In some embodiments, based on the configuration of the central bracket210, the elongated portions may have different geometries with respectto each other. For example, the first and second elongated portions 220and 230 may be thinner (i.e., less wide) than the third and fourthelongated portions 240 and 250. At least one of the elongated portions220, 230, 240, 250 may further include an arc shaped leg 270 extendingfrom the elongated portion (as shown off of elongated portions 220, 230)and within the surface plane of the central bracket 210. In certainembodiments, each elongated portion of a pair, such as elongatedportions 220, 230, include a pair of arc shaped legs 270 extendingtherefrom. The arc shaped legs 270 may extend proximate to the centerportion 212 and curve towards the neighboring elongated portion. Eacharc shaped leg 270 may include a protrusion 272 at a free end of thearch shaped leg 270, opposite the elongated portion 220, 230, with theprotrusion 272 being raised with respect to the surface plane of thecentral bracket 210. The protrusions 272 may facilitate securing themount 200 to the speaker 280, and may provide additional stability fromvibration without requiring additional connections to the speaker 280.

Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3A-B, the center portion 212 furtherdefines one or more apertures 213, including a first aperture 213 a,second aperture 213 b, and third aperture. 213 c The apertures 213 maybe configured to receive hardware (not shown) to secure the mount 200 tothe vehicle surface 110. Although three apertures 213 are shown in FIG.3A, any suitable number of apertures may be included to secure the mount200 to the surface 110. In certain embodiments, the apertures 213 a, 213b, and 213 c may extend colinearly such that they are aligned along thecenter portion 212 of the central bracket 210. That is, the apertures213 may be centered along an axis of the central portion 212 along aline with the first aperture 213 a defined at the center of the centralbracket 210 between the second and third apertures 213 b, 213 c. Incertain embodiments, the apertures 213 a, 213 b, 213 c are defined byrespective tapered or sloped surfaces 211 a, 211 b, 211 c extendingcircumferentially around the apertures 213 a, 213 b, 213 c such that theapertures 213 a, 213 b, 213 c are depressed or recessed with respect tothe surface plane.

Referring to FIG. 3B, a rear view of the mount 200 is shown in moredetail. The rear side of central bracket 210 includes a flat panel 216positioned on the rear side of center portion 212. The flat panel 216may be integrally formed with the center portion 212, such as byinjection molding. The flat panel 216 may include a plurality ofapertures 216, including a first aperture 216 a, second aperture 216 b,and third aperture 216 c configured to align with the respectiveapertures 213 a, 213 b, and 213 c of the central bracket 210. The flatpanel 216 extends along the direction of the first and second elongatedportions 220, 230, and is positioned below the surface plane defined bythe center portion 212. The flat panel 216 provides the mount surfacewhich abuts the vehicle surface 110 such that the mount 200 is stable onthe vehicle surface 110. Furthermore, as described above and shown inFIG. 2, the vehicle surface 110 may include cavities 113 a, 113 b, 113 cfor receiving hardware (not shown) through the apertures 213 a, 213 b,213 c and flat panel apertures 216 a, 216 b, and 216 c, respectively, tofacilitate securing the mount 200 to the vehicle surface 110. In certainembodiments, the mount 200 may be secured to the vehicle surface 110prior to the speaker 280 being twisted into the mount 200. As such, themount 200 provides a surface mount for the speaker 280.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5A-B, another example vehicle speaker mountingassembly 100 b is shown. The vehicle speaker mounting assembly 100 bincludes a vehicle speaker mount 300 for securing a speaker 380 to thevehicle surface 110. The speaker 380 may be a high frequency loudspeaker (i.e., a tweeter) having any suitable shape based on the desireddesign for the aesthetic of the vehicle sound system. For example,speaker 380 is shown in the Figures as a circular speaker 380. Thespeaker 380 may include components such as a dome (not shown) and a baseforming the closed back typical of high frequency speakers. The base ofspeaker 380 includes recesses 382 for securing the speaker 380 to themount 300 such that the vibration of the speaker 380 is limited whilethe base of the speaker 380 is exposed. The speaker 280 may be exposedfor cooling and/or for providing access to features for electricalconnections. Similar to the examples described with respect to FIGS. 2and 3A-B, the mount 300 is configured as a flush mount for the speaker380 such that the vehicle surface 110 includes an aperture 113 forreceiving the mount 300 therein, and such that a portion of the mount300 is rests on the surface 110 about a periphery of the aperture 113such that the mount 300 can be secured to the surface 110 and the bodyof the speaker 380 is located in the mount 300 below the surface 110 anda top part of the speaker 380 is exposed. The mount 300 includesfeatures to secure the mount 300 to the surface 110 prior to insertionof the speaker 380 into a well, defined by the mount 300, however, incertain embodiments, the speaker 380 may be twisted into the mount 300prior to the mount 300 being secured to the surface 110. As previouslydiscussed, the vehicle surface 110 may be any suitable vehicle surface,such as, but not limited to, a headliner, front panels, pillars, and thelike, and may include features for electrically connecting the speaker380 to the vehicle sound system (not shown). The mount 300 engages thebottom end of the speaker 380, and exposes the bottom end of the speaker380 such that the speaker can be connected to the vehicle sound systemand/or for cooling the bottom end of the speaker. The mount 300 and itsengagement with the speaker 380 and the surface 110 will be discussed inmore detail below.

Referring again to FIGS. 5A-5B, the vehicle speaker mount 300 includes acentral bracket 310 having a center portion 312. The center portion 312defines a base plane for the mount 300. The center portion 312 furtherdefines an aperture 313 therein for receiving hardware (not shown).Although only one aperture is shown in FIG. 4A, it is contemplated thatany suitable number of apertures can be included. The aperture 313 maybe defined at a center of the central bracket 310, and, in certainembodiments, may be defined by a sloped or tapered surface (not shown)in the central portion 312 extending circumferentially around theaperture 313 such that the aperture 313 is depressed compared to thebase plane. The mount 300 may be secured to the vehicle surface 110 viathe central bracket 310 (similar to FIG. 2), or can be flush mounted tothe vehicle surface 110 as shown in FIG. 4 via features that will bediscussed in further detail below.

The mount 300 further includes a plurality of elongated portions,including first elongated portion 320 and second elongated portion 330,extending radially outward from the center portion 312. First and secondelongated portions 320 and 330 form a pair positioned and extendingradially opposite one another from the center portion 312. At least oneof the elongated portions 320,330 may further include an arc shaped leg370 extending from the elongated portion (as shown off of elongatedportions 320, 330) and within the base plane of the central bracket 310.In certain embodiments, each elongated portion of a pair, such aselongated portions 320, 330, include a pair of arc shaped legs 370extending therefrom. The arc shaped legs 370 may extend proximate to thecenter portion 312 and curve towards the neighboring elongated portion.Each arc shaped leg 370 may include a protrusion 372 at a free distalend of the arch shaped leg 370, opposite the elongated portion 320, 330,with the protrusion 372 being raised with respect to the base plane ofthe central bracket 310. The protrusions 372 may facilitate securing themount 300 to the speaker 380, and may provide additional stability fromvibration without requiring additional connections to the speaker 380.In one or more embodiments, the central bracket 310 and the elongatedportions 320, 330 are integrally connected, for example, via beingformed by injection molded plastic.

As can be seen in FIGS. 5A-B, the elongated portions 320, 330 eachinclude a respective engagement tab 360 at a distal end of therespective elongated portion 320, 330 opposite the center portion 312.Engagement tab 360 secures the mount 300 to the speaker 380 viarespective recesses 382 in the base of the speaker 380 such that thespeaker can be twisted into the mount 300 to engage the engagement tabs360 within the recesses 382. Although two elongated portions are shownin the Figures, it is contemplated that any suitable number of elongatedportions may be included as based on the required engagement tabs forthe design of the speaker and the respective recesses within the base ofthe speaker. In certain embodiments, each engagement tab 360 is raisedwith respect to the base plane. The engagement tabs 360 may be connectedto the distal end of the elongated portions 320, 330 by a verticallyextending member or leg 361 which extends upward from the base plane,such that the engagement tabs 360 protrude radially inward from thevertically extending member 361. The speaker 380 can be inserted intothe well of the central bracket 310 with the engagement tabs 360engaging the recesses 382, and can be twisted thereon to secure thespeaker 380 into the mount 300.

Referring again to FIG. 4 and FIGS. 5A-B, the mount 300 further includesa threaded ring member 340 cooperating with the central bracket 310 toform the well for receiving the speaker 380. The threaded ring member340 may be integrally formed with the central bracket 310 via anysuitable process, such as, but not limited to, injection molding orwelding. The threaded ring member 340 extends vertically upward from thebase plane, from a bottom end 342 at the base plane to a top end 344,defining a height therebetween. The bottom end 342 of the threaded ringmember 340 surrounds the central bracket 310 to form a periphery of thethreaded ring member 340 that extends over the height. The threaded ringmember 340 is connected to the central bracket 310 at the distal ends ofthe elongated portions 320, 330 at the bottom end 342 of the threadedring member 340. The engagement tabs 360 protrude inward from theperiphery formed by the threaded ring member 340 to engage the recesses382 in the speaker 380. The threaded ring member 340 and central bracket310 cooperate to form the well for receiving the speaker 380, such thatthe speaker 380 is supported within the well and the bottom of thespeaker 380 is partially exposed (around the features of the centralbracket 310) to allow for electrical connections and cooling, whilemaintaining a stable base for the mount 300.

Referring again to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5A, a flange edge lip 346 extendsradially outward from the top end 344 of the threaded ring member 340providing an edge surface that can provide the flush contact with thevehicle surface 110. Although the flange edge lip 346 is shown ascircular, the flange lip 346 may extend from the top end 344 of thethreaded ring member 340 in any suitable shape or pattern as based onthe desired design of the flush mount 300, and extend farther such thatthe radius of the flange lip 346 is greater than a radius of theaperture 110 b in the vehicle surface 110. The mount 300 furtherincludes an attachment ring 350 which is configured to cooperate withthe threaded ring member 340 to secure the vehicle surface 110 betweenthe attachment ring 350 and the flange lip 346 such that the flange lip346 forms a flush surface with the vehicle surface 110 when the mount300 is secured in this position. The threaded ring member 340 includeshelical threading over the height for converting rotational movement ofthe attachment ring 350 to linear vertical movement. The attachment ring350 is sized and shaped to surround and be concentric with the threadedring member 340 and includes grooves along the inner periphery to engagethe helical threading such that the attachment ring 350 can be rotatedabout the threaded ring member 340 to be positioned below the flange lip346, with the surface 110 therebetween. As such, the mount 300 can besecured to the vehicle surface 110 between the flange lip 346 andattachment ring 350 or to the vehicle surface 110 via the centralbracket 310, depending on the desired design and space provided in thevehicle. Although the dimensions are shown as circular in the examples,it is contemplated that the speaker 380 shape and attachment ring 350may be shaped to cooperate based on the desired design. As such, themount 300 provides a flush mount for the speaker 380.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7A-B, an example of another vehicle speakermounting assembly 100 c is shown. The vehicle speaker mounting assembly100 c includes a vehicle speaker mount 400 for securing a speaker 480 toa vehicle surface 110. The speaker 480 may be a high frequency loudspeaker (i.e., a tweeter) having any suitable shape based on the desireddesign for the aesthetic of the vehicle sound system. For example,speaker 480 is shown in the Figures as a circular speaker 480. Thespeaker 480 may include components such as a dome (not shown) and a baseforming the closed back typical of high frequency speakers. The base ofspeaker 480 includes recesses 482 for securing the speaker 480 to themount 400 such that the vibration of the speaker 480 is limited whilethe base of the speaker 480 is exposed. The speaker 480 may be exposedfor cooling and/or for providing access to features for electricalconnections. Similar to the previous examples, the mount 400 isconfigured as a starfish mount for the speaker 480 such that such thatthe mount 400 can be positioned on the surface 110 and mounted theretovia hardware (not shown) such that the mount 400 and speaker 480 arelocated above the plane of the surface 110, with flanges 442, 450provided to contact additional mounting surfaces. Thus, although shownas secured on the surface 110, the mount 400 may be secured using thesurfaces of the flanges 442, 450 and providing hardware through theapertures 444, 454 in instances where, for example, the mounting surface110 is not flat such that the bottom of the mount 400 does not layflush, and, as such, the depiction of mounting to the surface 110 is notintended to be limiting. Furthermore, one or more of the flanges 442,450 may be removable from the mount 400 based on the space available forsecuring the mount 400. In one or more embodiments, the features of themount 400 are integrally connected, for example, via being formed byinjection molded plastic. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 and FIGS.7A-B, the hardware may secure the mount 400 to the surface 110 prior toinsertion of the speaker 480 into the mount 400. The mount 400 may beconfigured to engage the bottom end of the speaker 480, and exposes thebottom end of the speaker 480 such that the speaker can be connected tothe vehicle sound system and/or for cooling the bottom end of thespeaker. The starfish mount 400 and its engagement with the speaker 480and the surface 110 will be discussed in more detail below.

Referring to FIGS. 7A-B, the vehicle speaker mount 400 is shown in moredetail. The mount 400 includes a central bracket 410 having a centerportion 412. The center portion 412 defines a base plane on a first side414 of the central bracket 410. The mount 400 further includes elongatedportions 420, 430 extending radially outward from the center portion412. Elongated portions 420 and 430 form a pair and extend radiallyopposite one another from the center portion 412. At least one of theelongated portions 420, 430 may further include an arc shaped leg 470extending from the elongated portion (as shown off of elongated portions420, 430) and within the base plane of the central bracket 410. Incertain embodiments, each elongated portion of a pair, such as elongatedportions 420, 430, include a pair of arc shaped legs 470 extendingtherefrom. The arc shaped legs 470 may extend proximate to the centerportion 412 and curve towards the neighboring elongated portion. Eacharc shaped leg 470 may include a protrusion 472 at a free distal end ofthe arch shaped leg 470, opposite the elongated portion 420, 430, withthe protrusion 472 being raised with respect to the base plane of thecentral bracket 410. The features of the mount 400, such as theelongated portions 420, 430, arc shaped legs 470, and protrusions 472may be integrally formed via injection molding to form one unitarystructure for the mount. The protrusions 472 may facilitate securing themount 400 to the speaker 480, and may provide additional stability fromvibration without requiring additional connections to the speaker 480.

As can be seen in FIGS. 7A-B, the elongated portions 420, 430 eachinclude a respective engagement tab 460 at a distal end of therespective elongated portion 420, 430 opposite the center portion 412.Engagement tab 460 secures the mount 400 to the speaker 480 viarespective recesses 482 in the base of the speaker 480 such that thespeaker can be twisted into the mount 400 to engage the engagement tabs460 within the recesses 482. In certain embodiments, each engagement tab460 is raised with respect to the base plane. The engagement tabs 460may be connected to the distal end of the elongated portions 420, 430 bya vertically extending member 461 which extends upward from the baseplane, such that the engagement tabs 460 protrude radially inward fromthe vertically extending member 461. The speaker 480 can be insertedonto the central bracket 410 with the engagement tabs 460 engaging therecesses 482, and can be twisted thereon to secure the speaker 480 intothe mount 400.

The center portion 412 further defines one or more apertures 413 a, 413b, 413 c therein for receiving hardware (not shown) to secure the mount400 to the vehicle surface 110, as is shown in FIG. 6. Although threeapertures are shown in FIG. 6A, any suitable number of apertures may beincluded to secure the mount 400 to the surface 110. In certainembodiments, the apertures 413 a, 413 b, and 413 c may extend colinearlysuch that they are aligned along the center portion 412 of the centralbracket 410. At least one aperture, shown as aperture 413 a in FIGS.7A-B, may be located at a center of the central bracket 410. In certainembodiments, the apertures 413 a, 413 b, 413 c are defined by respectivesloped surfaces 411 a, 411 b, 411 c in the center portion 412 extendingcircumferentially around the apertures 413 a, 413 b, 413 c such that theapertures 413 a, 413 b, 413 c are depressed compared to the base plane.

Referring to FIG. 7B, a rear view of the mount 400 is shown in moredetail. The rear side of central bracket 410 includes a flat panel 416positioned on the rear side of center portion 412 such that theapertures 413 a, 413 b, 413 c are aligned with apertures 416 a, 416 b,and 416 c of the flat panel 416. The flat panel 416 extends along thedirection of the elongated portions 420, 430, and is positioned belowthe base plane defined by the center portion 412. The flat panel 416provides the mount surface which abuts the vehicle surface 110 such thatthe mount 400 is stable on the vehicle surface 110. As such, the flatpanel 416 provides one possible mounting surface for the mount 400.Furthermore, the vehicle surface 110 may include cavities 413 a, 413 b,413 c for receiving hardware (not shown) through the apertures 413 a,413 b, 413 c and flat panel apertures 416 a, 416 b, and 416 c,respectively, to facilitate securing the mount 400 to the vehiclesurface 110. In certain embodiments, the mount 400 may be secured to thevehicle surface 110 prior to the speaker 480 being twisted into themount 400.

Referring again to FIG. 6 and FIGS. 7A-B, the starfish mount 400 furtherincludes a base ring 440 surrounding the central bracket 410, andconnected to the central bracket 410 at the distal ends of the elongatedportions 420, 430. The base ring member 440 cooperates with the centralbracket 410 to form the well for receiving the speaker 480. The basering member 440 extends vertically upward from the base plane, from abottom end 441 at the base plane to a top end 443, defining a heighttherebetween. The base ring member 440 is connected to the centralbracket 410 via the elongated portions 420, 430 at the bottom end 441 ofthe base ring member 440. Engagement tabs 460 protrude inward from theperiphery formed by the base ring member 440 to engage the recesses 482in the speaker 480. The features of the starfish mount 400, such as thebase ring member 440, the central bracket 410, the elongated portions420, 430, and the like may be integrally formed via injection moldingplastic such that the mount 400 is a unitary piece. The base ring member440 and central bracket 410 cooperate to form the well for receiving thespeaker 480, such that the speaker 480 is supported within the well andthe bottom of the speaker 480 is partially exposed (around the featuresof the central bracket 410) to allow for electrical connections andcooling, while maintaining a stable base for the mount 400.

The base ring member 440 includes a first plurality of flanges 442extending radially outward from the periphery of the base ring member440 at the bottom end 441. The first plurality of flanges 442 may besubstantially aligned within the base plane of the center portion 412,as further aligned with the bottom end 441 of the base ring member 440.The base ring member 440 further includes a second plurality of flanges450 extending radially outward from the periphery of the base ringmember 440 at the top end 443. Although a set of three flanges forms thefirst plurality of flanges 442 and a set of three flanges forms thesecond plurality of flanges 450 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and7A-B, any number or combination of flanges 442, 450 is contemplated, aswill be discussed in further detail below. Flanges 450 include a flatedge 452 connected to flange 450 by a vertically extending connectionmember 454, with flat edge 452 extending radially outward from thecenter of the mount 400. Each flange of the first plurality of flanges442 and second plurality of flanges 450 include a respective aperture444, 454 for receiving hardware to connect the mount to additionalvehicle mounting surfaces, for example, where the central bracket 410does not lay flush against the mounting surface 110. As such, theflanges 442, 450 provide additional mounting surfaces for the mount 400.For example, flanges 442 may be secured via apertures 444 to a differentvehicle surface, or flanges 450 may be secured via apertures 454 to yetanother vehicle surface, as based on the location where the speaker 480is desired. Base ring member 440 includes exposed areas 446 definedaround the periphery of the base ring member 440, between flanges 450 ofthe second plurality of flanges, and vertically above each flange 442 ofthe first plurality. As such, base ring member 440 includes a height tothe top end 443 only where a flange 450 of the second plurality islocated. The exposed areas 446 allow for the periphery of the speaker480 to be seen (as shown in FIG. 7A), and for the engagement tab 460 tobe visible for insertion of the speaker 480. In certain embodiments, theexposed areas 446 are provided such that the engagement tabs 460protrude inward and form at least a portion of the bottom of the exposedareas 446, such that the vertically extending member 461 defines theheight of the base ring member 440 at the portions of the periphery withthe flanges 442. Furthermore, the flanges 442, 452 can be removed fromthe base ring member 440 at the connection area to the base ring member440 in instances where space is limited in the vehicle mounting space.For example, one or more flanges of the first and second plurality offlanges 442, 450 can be broken off when the speaker is mounted at thecentral bracket 410, such as one or more of the flanges 442, or one ormore of the flanges 450, or a combination of flanges 442, 450. Thus,although the mount 400 may be integrally formed via injection molding,the flanges 442, 452 may be removable such that the central bracket 410and base ring member 440 to form the mount 400 with any number or noflanges 442, 452. As such, the mount 400 includes less material, allowsfor multiple mounting options via the additional surfaces for mounting,facilitates securing the speaker 480 in the well, and exposes thespeaker 480 at various locations throughout the periphery.

The flanges 442 of the first plurality may be, in some embodiments,evenly spaced about the periphery of the base ring member 440, or inother embodiments, unevenly spaced about the periphery of the base ringmember 440. In the embodiments shown in FIG. 6 and FIGS. 7A-B, the basering member 440 includes three flanges 442 extending from the peripheryof the base ring member 440 at the bottom end 441, with each flange 442being evenly spaced (i.e., about 120 degrees apart) with respect to thecenter point of aperture 413 a. Although three flanges 442 are shown inthe Figures, any suitable number of flanges is contemplated by thepresent disclosure, and the description of three flanges is not intendedto be limiting. For example, there may be sets of two or more flanges ineach of the first and second pluralities of flanges 442, 450. In otherexamples (not shown), one plurality of flanges may have more flangesthan the other plurality of flanges. The flanges 450 of the secondplurality may be, in some embodiments, evenly spaced about the peripheryof the base ring member 440, or in other embodiments, unevenly spacedabout the periphery of the base ring member 440. Furthermore, althoughnot shown in the Figures, the flanges 450 of the second plurality may bepositioned at varying heights along the height of the base ring member440. In the examples shown in FIG. 6 and FIGS. 7A-B, the base ringmember 440 includes three flanges 450 extending from the periphery ofthe base ring member 440 at the top end 443, with each flange 450 beingevenly spaced (i.e., about 120 degrees apart) with respect to the centerpoint of aperture 413 a, and with exposed areas 446 positioned betweentwo respective flanges 450. Although three flanges 450 are shown in theFigures, any suitable number of flanges is contemplated by the presentdisclosure, and the description of three flanges is not intended to belimiting. Flanges 450 may be offset from flanges 442 such that theflanges do not overlap in the vertical direction. For example, thestaggering of the flanges 442 and flanges 450 result in each flange 442of the first plurality being spaced 60 degrees from a flange 450 of thesecond plurality when each plurality includes three flanges. The offsetdegrees about the periphery may vary based on the number of flangesprovided, and the depicted example is not intended to be limiting. Assuch, a starfish mount 400 for securing a speaker 480 to a vehiclesurface 110 is provided.

Thus, a vehicle speaker mounting assembly includes a mount having acentral bracket for retaining a speaker thereon is provided. The mountincludes engagement tabs for engaging respective recesses in thespeaker. According to various embodiments, the mount includes featuresfor securing the speaker based on the desired design configuration, suchas a surface mount, a flush mount, or a starfish mount. The features andthe central bracket to cooperate to provide form a well for the speaker,and provide a compact design for mounting the speaker that can provide astable and secure connection to the vehicle surface, with easy insertionof the speaker into the mount.

While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended thatthese embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather,the words used in the specification are words of description rather thanlimitation, and it is understood that various changes may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may becombined to form further embodiments of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle speaker mount for a speaker,comprising: a central bracket; and a plurality of elongated portionsextending radially outward from the central bracket, each of theelongated portions having a respective engagement tab at a distal end ofthe elongated portion, wherein the central bracket defines at least oneaperture for receiving hardware to connect the mount to a vehiclesurface, and each engagement tab is configured to be releasablyconnectable with a base of the speaker.
 2. The vehicle speaker mount ofclaim 1, further comprising at least one arc shaped leg extending fromat least one of the plurality of elongated portions, each arc shaped leghaving a protrusion at a free distal end of the leg for releasablyengaging the base of the speaker.
 3. The vehicle speaker mount of claim1, wherein the plurality of elongated portions includes a first pair ofelongated portions extending radially opposite one another from thecentral bracket, and a second pair of elongated portions extendingradially opposite one another from the central bracket and substantiallyperpendicular to the first pair, wherein each of the elongated portionsare equidistantly spaced about the central bracket.
 4. The vehiclespeaker mount of claim 3, wherein a geometry of the first pair is largerthan a geometry of the second pair.
 5. The vehicle speaker mount ofclaim 3, wherein each elongated portion of the first pair includes apair of arc shaped legs extending from the elongated portion about thecentral bracket.
 6. The vehicle speaker mount of claim 1, wherein thecentral bracket defines three colinear apertures.
 7. The vehicle speakermount of claim 6, wherein each aperture is defined by a circumferentialsloped surface recessing each aperture relative to a surface plane ofthe central bracket.
 8. The vehicle speaker mount of claim 6, furthercomprising a flat panel arranged below the central bracket and alignedwith the apertures for securing the mount to the surface.
 9. The vehiclespeaker mount of claim 1, wherein each elongated portion includes avertical leg at the distal end of the elongated portion, the verticalleg having the engagement tab arranged thereon extending toward thecenter of the central bracket and such that the engagement tab isconfigured to engage the base of the speaker.
 10. A vehicle speakermount for a speaker, comprising: a threaded ring member having a bottomend and a top end, opposite the bottom end, the ring member having aflange edge defined at the top end and extending radially outward fromthe ring member, and a central bracket at the bottom end and arrangedradially inward of the ring member, the central bracket including acenter portion and at least one pair of elongated portions extendingradially outwardly and oppositely from the center portion, eachelongated portion having a distal end connected to a base of thethreaded ring member and including a respective engagement tab forengaging a respective recess in a base of the speaker; and an attachmentring having a thread configured to be cooperable with the threaded ringmember such that the attachment ring can be secured around the threadedring member from the bottom end to secure the mount to a surfacepositioned between the attachment ring and the flange edge, wherein andthe threaded ring member and central bracket cooperate to define acavity for receiving the speaker therein.
 11. The vehicle speaker mountof claim 10, wherein the threaded ring member and the central bracketare connected only at the elongated portions such that a bottom surfaceof the speaker is exposed.
 12. The vehicle speaker mount of claim 10,further comprising at least one arc shaped leg extending from at leastone of the plurality of elongated portions, each arc shaped leg having aprotrusion at a free distal end of the leg for engaging the base of thespeaker.
 13. The vehicle speaker mount of claim 10, wherein eachelongated portion includes a vertical leg at the distal end of theelongated portion, the vertical leg having the engagement tab arrangedthereon extending toward the center of the central bracket and such thatthe engagement tab is configured to engage the base of the speaker. 14.A vehicle speaker mount for a speaker, comprising: a central brackethaving a center portion and at least one pair of elongated portionsextending radially outwardly and oppositely from the center portion,each elongated portion having a distal end including a respectiveengagement tab for engaging a respective recess in the speaker, and thecenter portion and the elongated portions defining a base plane; and astarfish bracket having a base ring connected to the central bracket atthe elongated portions, the base ring having a bottom end positionedalong the base plane, and a top end opposite the bottom end at apredefined height above the base plane, the starfish bracket including afirst plurality of flanges extending radially outward from the bottomend and a second plurality of flanges extending radially outward fromthe top end, each of the first plurality being offset from the secondplurality of flanges around a circumference of the base ring, whereinthe starfish bracket and the central bracket are configured to cooperateto define a cavity for receiving the speaker therein.
 15. The vehiclespeaker mount of claim 14, wherein the base ring only includes the topend at circumferential portions corresponding to the second plurality offlanges extending from the base ring such that exposed areas form abovethe first plurality of flanges.
 16. The vehicle speaker mount of claim14, wherein the first plurality of flanges is evenly spaced around thecircumference of the base ring at the top end, and the second pluralityof flanges is evenly spaced around the circumference of the base ring atthe bottom end.
 17. The vehicle speaker mount of claim 16, wherein thefirst plurality of flanges includes three flanges spaced apart by 120degrees around the base ring, and the second plurality of flangesincludes three flanges spaced apart by 120 degrees around the base ringand each flange of the second plurality being positionedcircumferentially between two flanges of the first plurality.
 18. Thevehicle speaker mount of claim 14, wherein each flange of the secondplurality of flanges includes a flat edge connected to the flange by aconnecting member extending in the upward direction.
 19. The vehiclespeaker mount of claim 18, wherein each flange of the first plurality offlanges is flat with respect to the base plane.
 20. The vehicle speakermount of claim 14, wherein each elongated portion includes a verticalleg at the distal end of the elongated portion, the vertical leg havingthe engagement tab arranged thereon extending toward the center of thecentral bracket and such that the engagement tab is configured to engagethe base of the speaker.